Local students named Horatio Alger scholars

Three high school seniors from San Diego County are among 106 in the country selected as 2014 Horatio Alger National Scholars.

The students are: Richard Boyer, a student at Santana High School; Brandon Brizuela, a student at San Diego Met Career/Tech High School; and Mekenna Brown, a student at San Marcos High School.

Each scholar will receive a $21,000 scholarship for a Bachelor’s degree, an all-expense paid trip to the three-day Horatio Alger National Scholars Conference in Washington, D.C., in April, and the opportunity to apply to one of a group of selected colleges who work with the foundation to match the Horatio Alger Scholarship funds. They will also be provided with mentoring, a 24-hour support and referral line, as well as free campus housing opportunities.

One of the nation’s largest college financial aid programs, the Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program seeks to help high school students who have faced and overcome significant obstacles in their lives. While many aid programs are directed primarily to recognizing academic achievement or leadership potential, this program also searches out students who have a commitment to use their college degrees in service to others.

Scholars come from households with an average income of $15,000 per year. These students average a 3.8 GPA and a mean SAT score of 1,684, which is more than 100 points above the national average.

Since the establishment of its scholarship programs in 1984, Horatio Alger Association has awarded more than $100 million in undergraduate, graduate and specialized scholarships to students from across the United States. The association will award $9 million to its National Scholars this year.

“Horatio Alger Scholars possess remarkable strength and resilience,” said David Sokol, chairman of Horatio Alger Association. “We are immensely proud to support these young people who have not let adversity or financial need hinder their pursuit of a good education. Horatio Alger Association is confident of their success and proud to assist as they seek to share in the American dream.”